What’s the purpose of the iPhone 7’s most puzzling new feature?

I know, I know, it’ll be a few more months before Apple reveals the secrets behind the brand new iPhone 7. But there have already been plenty of leaks that give us a boatload of information about the upcoming handset, with multiple reports agreeing on certain new features. Aside from the iPhone 6s-like design, redesigned rear antennas, dual lens camera for the 5.5-inch “Pro” version and absence of the headphone jack, there’s one mysterious iPhone 7 feature that no one has gotten to the bottom of at this point.

Why is there a Smart Connector port on the back of the iPhone 7 Plus, as seen in schematics that hit the web yesterday? The port is used on both new iPad Pro models to connect a keyboard accessory. But it’s one thing to hook up a keyboard to a tablet and quite another to do it with a smartphone. Even the 5.5-inch iPhone doesn’t really need a keyboard, right?

On the other hand, as Logitech recently proved, the Smart Connector can also be used to power a tablet. If Logitech is allowed to do it, then it could open the door for some exciting new accessories for the next-generation iPhones.

Could it be that the iPhone 7’s Smart Connector will be used for wireless charging?

Looking at these schematics, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber also said he became more interested in the connector, which keeps popping up in leaks. Others have joined in, coming up with various ways that the Smart Connector might be used.

One idea Apple might be toying with is to let users choose how they want to charge the iPhone, either via the Lightning port or using a magnetic connector. In such a case, the Lightning port would be free to use with Lightning headphones – remember, Apple is rumored to be ditching the 3.5mm audio jack on the iPhone 7, and will instead bundle the phone with new Lightning headphones.

The port could also be used to charge wireless headphones by connecting them to the iPhone. Apple is also rumored to be developing truly wireless Beats headphones for release alongside the iPhone 7.

@gruber IPhone Smart Connector could be used for iPhone Smart Battery case without a “chin.”

Finally, one user believes the Smart Connector could be paired with other peripherals, including external microphones, lenses and camera cases – or whatever accessory makers can come up with, as long as they stay within Apple’s guidelines.

@gruber Could an iPhone smart connector make it a better camera?Maybe more controls or a better microphone? Need controls if underwater.

Whatever the case, if the Smart Connector is indeed in the picture for the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 “Pro,” then we might see it become a little more than just a port you can use to connect an external keyboard.